Christianity – Sacred Texts and Writings
Bible is the normative for Christianity
The Bible, which is a collection of books, is of critical importance in Christianity. It is
normative for Christianity as it identifies the key beliefs and determines ethical,
legal, ritual and spiritual foundations. Thus Christianity is commonly known as a
religion of the book, as is Judaism and Islam. The Bible is foundational to Christianity
because the Bible is regarded as the word of God.
Nature of the sacred text
For Christians the Bible includes the Old Testament and the New Testament. The
Old Testament, sometimes referred to as the Hebrew Scriptures, is very similar to the
Jewish sacred text the Tenak. The Old Testament can be roughly divided into four
sections. The first five books are known as the Pentateuch. The second group of
books, the Historical books, are books with an historical character. Thirdly there is a
collection of the writings of the Prophets and finally other writings such as the
Psalms and Proverbs which are broadly classified as Wisdom literature. The New
Testament contains four Gospels, an account of the development of the early Church
knows as the Acts of the Apostles, a series of letters to Churches or individuals
written by Paul and other early Church leaders and an apocalyptic work called the
book of Revelation or the book of the Apocalypse.
Deutero Canonical or Apocryphal books
All books of the New Testament and the vast majority of Old Testament books are
accepted by all Christian groups and thereby are considered as part of the canon of
scripture. A small number of books in the Old Testament have a disputed status in
the canon. These books, written in Greek in the late Old Testament period, are
accepted by Catholic and Orthodox Christians, however are regarded as Deutero
Canonical books by some other Christian denominations. This means belonging to a
second canon or second collection. In Protestant groups these books are not accepted
as part of the canon of scripture and are referred to as apocryphal books or apocrypha.
These books are often found in bibles but designated as Deutero Canonical or
Apocryphal books.
Bible is inspired by God
Christians believe that the Bible is inspired by God and thus carries the authority of
God. Consequently, the Bible provides a special connection between God and humans
and provides human beings with deep spiritual insight into their religion. The belief
that the Bible is inspired by God is a belief held in common by all Christians, yet,
the understanding of this inspiration differs from group to group. Some Christians
believe the inspiration of scripture amounts to God dictating a word for word account
which was then recorded and passed on in the Christian communities. Such beliefs are
in the realm of a fundamentalist understanding which also insists that every aspect and
every detail of the bible must be held to be true in a literal sense. Such an
understanding is likely to be found among the evangelical groups within
Protestantism.
Other Christian groups understand that the inspiration of the Holy Spirit came in and
through the human insights and understanding of the authors of the text who were
reflecting and passing on the faith of their community. In this way the writers were
indeed authors in the true sense of the word and brought their own unique gifts to the
task of writing. In and through this human activity, the inspiration of the Spirit is
present and the result is a sacred texts which fully and profoundly expresses the
revelation of God. This understanding affirms that the Bible carries all that is
necessary for human salvation but does not require that the reader accept every
aspect in a literal sense. This understanding is found among the Catholic and
Orthodox strands of Christianity as well as the High Church Anglicans and some
Protestant denominations
Bible contains salvation history
The Bible depicts the hand of God intervening in human history. In other words, the
Bible contains the salvation history from the origins of creation through the
covenant with the people of Israel, the teaching of the prophets and finally the new
covenant inaugurated through the life and ministry of Jesus.
Model for Christian life action
Christianity draws many of its practices and teachings from the Bible. The Bible
conveys an understanding of a model of life and action. These actions are based on
broad principles rather than specific teachings that outline what is required of
Christians on a day to day basis. In this way, the Bible is a source of unity for
Christians as it provides a link to a communal religious heritage. Since the Bible
provides a model for action the fundamental source of ethical guidance is derived
from the Bible and in particular the New Testament which contains the four Gospels.
Thus the Bible provide guidance for individual Christians as well as for Christian
communities.
Different application of the Bible across the spectrum of Christianity
The Bible, while being of critical and equal importance to all Christian
denominations, is nevertheless used differently across the spectrum of
denominations. The Catholic and Orthodox denominations believe that the revelation
of God comes through scripture in the light of Tradition. In other words, tradition or
Church teaching illuminates the meaning of scripture. In contrast, Protestants do not
place the same emphasis on tradition as a means of illuminating the meaning of the
sacred text because. That is, the teaching authority of the Church is seen as relevant,
but they are more directly related to Biblical teaching. Instead, Protestants reaffirm
the concept of sola scriptura which means 'scripture alone', in using a more direct
application of the Bible. Thus, personal conscience and individual interpretation of
the Biblical texts are more pronounced in Protestant Churches.
Within Protestantism, there are also variations regarding the application of the Bible.
High Church Anglicans adopt a position that is similar to the Catholic and Orthodox
stance in their belief that scripture and tradition go hand in hand. Low Church
Anglicans embrace a more fundamentalist approach to the Bible.
Stemming from its significant impact on beliefs the Bible also has a vital role in
determining the rituals and practical dimensions of Christianity. The Bible for
example underpins study from a theological perspective. It provides guidelines for
ritual, prayer and worship, the latter being strongly based on scripture.
The following areas are identified as principal beliefs of Christianity
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The divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
The nature of God and the Trinity
Revelation
Salvation
For each of these principal beliefs three extracts from the New Testament will be
examined.
The divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ
Matthew 16:13-20
This extract from Matthew refers to an event which is also recorded in the other
synoptic gospels. It occurs at a time when Jesus is beginning or about to begin his
journey to Jerusalem where ultimately he will be arrested and executed.
Jesus asks the disciples what the people are saying about him. More exactly he asks
"who do people say that the son of man is" (Mt16-13). Various responses are
forthcoming before Jesus asks a second question. "Who do you say that I am" (Mt
16:15). Peter gives the answer "You are the messiah.the son of the living God". Peter's
response is affirmed by Jesus who claims that such an insight has been revealed to
him by the Father.
The extract very clearly affirms the belief of the Mattheaen community that not only
was Jesus the chosen one of Israel - the Messiah, he was also the Son of God. To
claim sonship was tantamount to claiming equality with God. Thus the extract
demonstrates the belief in the divinity of Jesus. While making no explicit reference to
the humanity of Jesus it nonetheless affirms this reality with the human Jesus of
Nazareth being heralded as Son of God.
John 1:1-14
The beginning of the gospel of John speaks poetically about the origins of creation
and how Jesus, the word, was with God in all eternity (Jn 1:1-3).
The passage uses the imagery of the light breaking into the darkness to allude to the
great act of salvation in Jesus. It then speaks of the role of John the Baptist as the
forerunner to Jesus before returning to focus on the role of Jesus as the word.
In verse 14 it describes how Jesus, the eternal word of God, came to dwell among us
and be one with us. Literally the text says "he pitched his tent among us". This is a
powerful image highlighting the full humanity of Jesus.
Hebrews 4:14-16
This extract from the letter to the Hebrew begins with a statement affirming the
divinity of Jesus "we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens"
(Heb 4:14). It then goes on to explain that in Jesus the high priest there is also the
dimension of him having experienced all that is associated with human existence (Heb
4:15).
In other words, Jesus is fully human and thus able to understand the exact nature of
the human condition. Yet, he is also fully divine and thus able to intercede for human
kind. He has both the power to save and the compassion to empathise with human
need.
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
Luke 9: 22
This extract from the gospel of Luke comes immediately after Peter's declaration of
faith in Jesus as the messiah. It is one of three passion predictions which are found in
the synoptic gospels. These passion predictions have Jesus announcing the
circumstances of his coming death as he journeys towards Jerusalem.
The significance of this passage is that is shows that Jesus' death and resurrection
were a necessary part of his mission. In other words these predictions, placed in the
mouth of Jesus by the synoptic writers, identify the inevitability of his death and at the
same time the certainty of his resurrection.
Thus the communities writing the gospel affirm their faith in Jesus dying on the cross
and then being raised on the third day as a central and indispensable part of their
gospel message.
1 Corinthians 15:12-19
This extract from Paul's first letter to the Church at Corinth is the first part of a long
discussion on the matter of the resurrection. It is important to note that many of Paul's
teachings come in response to questions from the community of in order to challenge
beliefs and practices that have arisen which are contrary to the gospel.
In this situation Paul seems to be challenging an idea among the Corinthians that there
will be no resurrection of the dead. Paul affirms in the strongest possible terms that
the resurrection is an integral part of Christian belief. Paul argues that "if Christ was
not raised, your faith is worthless (1Cor15:16)
1 Corinthians 15:35-44
The second part of Paul's discussion on the resurrection deals with the manner of the
resurrection. Once again it is clear that he is responding to matters that have arisen in
the Church at Corinth. Paul uses the analogy of a seed dying and a plant sprouting to
affirm that resurrection is a transformation of the body and not merely a resuscitation
of the body.
He finishes his discussion by affirming the eternal or incorruptible nature of the
resurrected body in contrast to the mortal human body which is subject to decay. He
also affirms the strength, glory and spiritual character of the resurrected body (1 Cor
15:42-44)
The nature of God and the Trinity
Luke 3:21-22
This passage from Luke's gospel is an account of Jesus being baptised by John. It is
an event which is found in each of the synoptic gospels and perhaps alluded to in a
passage from John's gospel (Jn 1:31-34).
The passage is significant because through the mind of the author it provides a
glimpse into the three persons of the trinity. Jesus has been baptised and while he is at
prayer the Spirit descends on him in the form of a dove. At the same time the voice of
the Father is heard declaring that his favour rests on Jesus his son (Lk 3:22).
Thus is Luke's simple description there is testimony to the three persons of the trinity
in relationship at the time of the baptism of Jesus.
John 16:5-16
This passage from John forms part of the long prayer prayed by Jesus on the night
before his death. This particular part of the prayer focuses on Jesus' departure and the
subsequent coming of the Spirit.
The passage includes reference to the Father and Spirit in the prayer of Jesus once
again affirming the belief in the trinity held by the writer through the description of
the three persons of the trinity in relationship.
1 John 5:1-12
The extract from the first letter of John is another example reflecting the faith of the
early Church in the trinity of Father, Son and Spirit.
The first verse in this section identifies a relationship between Jesus and the Father
(1Jn 5:1). The same verse highlights the closeness of the relationship between the
believer and these two persons of the trinity speaking of faith in Jesus and love of the
Father.
Later in verse 6 the writer speaks of the role of the Holy Spirit in giving testimony to
Jesus and affirming the truth of this testimony.
Finally in verses 11 and 12 the writer again speaks of the testimony of the Spirit and
refers to the relationship between Jesus and the Father thus affirming the tradition of
belief in the trinity.
Revelation
John 20:30-31
This extract from the gospel of John deals with the purpose of scripture. Scripture is
recognised as a key vehicle of revelation.
In this extract the writer indicates that the reason the gospel account has been
prepared is to provide an incentive to believe in Jesus. In other words it identifies the
rhetorical character of the text. It is not written to provide documentary evidence or
biographical detail. It is written in order that the hearer or reader may be convinced
and thus led to faith. With this in mind it is possible to understand the historical
character as incidental to the main purpose.
The gospel can be therefore understood as a document of faith. It is a reflection of the
faith of the early Church community and an invitation for the audience to embrace the
same faith.
2 Timothy 3:15-16
This extract from the second letter of Paul to Timothy contains a number of
statements which are at the heart of the Christian understanding of revelation.
Firstly it speaks of Timothy's life long knowledge of the sacred scriptures and affirms
these as "the source of wisdom which through faith in Jesus Christ leads to salvation"
(2 Tim 3:15). This verse also affirms the purpose of this "wisdom" as leading to
salvation.
The following verse reflects the Christian belief that scripture is inspired by God and
also highlights its usefulness for teaching and also for correcting errors in the
community.
2 Peter 1:20-21
This passage from the second letter of Peter addresses the theme of prophecy and
individual interpretation. It also takes up the theme of the inspiration of scripture.
The passage begins by denying that there is any element of personal interpretation
found in the prophecy of scripture. This is followed by an affirmation that it is the
inspiration of the Spirit which is the source of prophecy. The aspect of the inspiration
of the Spirit is identified here as acting under the influence of God.
This passage affirms therefore that the scriptures contain that which God wishes to be
passed on. This affirmation is tempered by the notion that scripture is written for the
purpose of encouraging faith, not to provide historical, scientific or other perspectives.
Salvation
Matthew 25:26-31
This passage presents a scene from the last judgement when all people are to be called
before God to give account of their lives. In this depiction people are separated into
two groups. One of these groups is to be blessed with the inheritance of the kingdom
of heaven. The second group is those to be condemned to "the everlasting fire" (Mt
21:41).
In this judgement scene the factor which distinguishes the blessed from the
condemned is their treatment of others and in particular the treatment of the most
vulnerable in the community. These vulnerable ones are referred to as "the least of
these brethren of mine" (Mt 25:40).
The implication of this passage is that eternal salvation is integrally connected to the
treatment of others especially those who have the greatest need.
John 3:16-17
Perhaps the best known of all scripture texts is verse 16 of this passage from John.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him
may not die but may have eternal life." (Jn 3:16). This verse conveys the relationship
between the sending of Jesus by the Father and the gift of salvation.
This idea is further explained in verse 17 "that the world may be saved through him"
which illustrates the fundamental Christian belief that salvation comes through Jesus.
Romans 5: 1-11
In his letter to the Romans, Paul goes to considerable length to explain his thesis
about the way Jesus has brought salvation to humankind. One example of this
explanation is his discussion of faith, hope and love in this famous section of the
letter.
He begins by affirming the belief that it is through faith in Jesus Christ that we find
peace with God (Rom 5:1). He goes on to explain that the event of Christ's death
highlights the degree of God's love for humankind (Rom 5:8).
This love is at the heart of God's saving action and the assurance of this salvation
brought by the love of God provides humankind with hope to experience eternal life
with God (Rom 5:2).